‘Ageing in place’ is a term that we’re seeing coined frequently and is one that has seniors taking control of how they want to age and where – on their own terms. Surveys and research through the years have shown that more and more Australian seniors are opting to age in place in their own homes, as opposed to going into residential care. There are great benefits to this, which an increasing number of families are embracing as an option for their loved ones. Not only does aging in place promote positive mental health and overall wellbeing, but also provides ongoing independence, something that many seniors are
reluctant to give up.
At Home Care Assistance, we take a unique approach1 when it comes to the care of older Australians. We offer personalised services and care management to each and every individual, and are able to achieve this by attracting the most innovative, creative, compassionate and committed Care Professionals. When you engage the services of Home Care Assistance as you age in place, you don’t just get matched with one Care Professional, but have access to a qualified and experienced team who will ensure the highest standards of care are met throughout the length of service. So, why are older Australian’s opting to
age in place?
Here are three reasons:
- Community
As we age, changes in our personal circumstances and lifestyle can result in feeling less connected to others and this poses an increased risk of loneliness. Staying in the home, close to family, friends and familiar services, can help maintain these important social connections. Beyond Blue’s report ‘Connections Matter’ mentions that these “ties with family, friends and community provide us with happiness, security, support and a sense of purpose. Being connected to others is important for our mental and physical wellbeing and can be a protective factor against anxiety and depression”2 - Independence
Living in your own home affords freedom, encourages self-reliance and allows you to pursue your hobbies and interests, and keep your pets – on your own terms. Protecting your independence is empowering and affords our ageing population confidence, which all too often suffers in the ageing process. - Familiarity
This is also a key motivation, not just with your own space and belongings, but with your local neighbourhood. Knowing and understanding encourages you to feel secure, in control and therefore remain engaged. Being in a new environment can lead to uncertainty and fear, therefore limiting your activity and mobility. Aging in place enables our seniors to continue to enjoy community, autonomy, privacy and a familiar environment, along with the quality care they need. An inpatient environment, no matter how well-designed, can never compare to home.
Aging in place enables our seniors to continue to enjoy community, autonomy, privacy and a familiar environment, along with the quality care they need. An inpatient environment, no matter how well-designed, can never compare to home.
How do I compare in home care services and choose the best care professionals?
According to the Australian Institute for Health and Welfare (2022) men who are 65 years old now can expect to live another 20 years and women almost 23 years3 . With subsidised home care available through ‘My Aged Care4’, aging in place can become a reality for many seniors wanting to maintain their independence. Given the huge shift towards home care over the past five years, it’s essential to match your unique lifestyle, health and comfort needs to the vales and services of a home care provider registered with the Australian government.
Support of an in-home care agency like Home Care Assistance, can bring enormous benefit and comfort to your quality of life while living independently at home. Home Care Assistance has viable solutions when it comes to supporting independent living. For more information, get in touch with a Home Care Assistance near you today.
1 https://www.homecareassistance.com.au/why-us/our-approach/
2 https://www.beyondblue.org.au/who-does-it-affect/older-people/connections-
matter#:~:text=Connections%20matter.,factor%20against%20anxiety%20and%20depression
3 https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/life-expectancy-death/deaths-in-australia/contents/life-expectancy
4 https://myagedcare.gov.au
As a leading age care provider, Home Care Assistance offers tailored in-home care services for older Australians, enabling them to live happier and healthier lives in the comfort of their own homes.
We offer private and government subsidised Care Packages and have office locations that are a registered NDIS provider. Our Care Workers undergo extensive training in order to deliver unmatched in-home aged care services where people can continue ageing in place. We are proud ambassadors of the My Aged Care government funded aged care program, enabling Australians to successfully navigate the process and gain approval for in-home care support packages. Home Care Assistance offers hourly care, specialised care, Alzheimer’s and Dementia care, hospital to home care, and 24 hour in home care.